Firefighters are making progress on a fire in Thermal Thursday focusing on controlling lines and addressing hot spots.
The fire that started Monday has burned 25 acres and is 85% contained. Two fire engines and one water tender remain on-scene Thursday, and are conducting mop-up operations and patrolling the burn area.
The Riverside County Fire Department responded to the fire at 11:20 a.m. Monday at Highway 86 Expressway near Avenue 72.
Arriving firefighters found a blaze between 2 and 3 acres “burning at a moderate rate in heavy fuels,” according to the department. By early afternoon, the fire was mapped at about 25 acres, with flames spotting in mulch piles ahead of the main blaze.
After engaging in mop-up efforts within the perimeter of the affected area Monday evening, the department said officials had reached 32% containment by 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Eight fire engines, two water tenders and a bulldozer were committed to the scene Tuesday for overhaul and increased containment, according to the update.
There was no immediate information on what caused the blaze, and no structural damage or injuries were reported.